Key differences
- The Mahindra 305 Orchard has 290 kg more lifting capacity than the John Deere 3028 EN - useful for heavy implements like a reversible plough, a loaded trailer or a potato planter.
- At ex-showroom prices the Mahindra 305 Orchard starts about ₹1,40,000 lower than the John Deere 3028 EN, roughly ₹2,555 a month less on a 5-year loan for 90% at 8%.
- Warranty: 5000 Hours/ 5 Year on the John Deere 3028 EN vs 6 years on the Mahindra 305 Orchard.
- Drive: the John Deere 3028 EN is 4WD, the Mahindra 305 Orchard is 2WD. 4WD helps in wet paddy fields and on slopes; 2WD is cheaper to buy and maintain.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | John Deere 3028 EN | Mahindra 305 Orchard |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 28 | 28 |
| Ex-showroom price | ₹6.5-7.2 lakh | ₹5.1-5.45 lakh |
| EMI (90% loan, 8%, 5 yr) | ₹11,862/month | ₹9,307/month |
| Cylinders | 3 | 3 |
| Rated RPM | 2,800 | 2,000 |
| PTO HP | 22.5 | not published |
| Lifting capacity (kg) | 910 | 1,200 |
| Gears | 8 F + 8 R | 6 F + 2 R |
| Drive | 4WD | 2WD |
| Clutch | Single clutch | Single |
| Brakes | Oil immersed Disc Brakes | Oil immersed |
| Steering | Power steering | Power |
| Fuel tank (litres) | 32 | not published |
| Weight (kg) | 1,070 | not published |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,574 | not published |
| Warranty | 5000 Hours/ 5 Year | 6 years |
Specs from each maker's spec page / official spec page. Prices are indicative ex-showroom; on-road price adds registration, insurance and dealer charges and varies by state.
Which one should you buy?
Match the tractor to your heaviest regular job. If you run a reversible plough, a loaded trolley or a potato planter, lifting capacity matters most. If most of your work is rotavator, thresher or pump, compare PTO HP. Then get on-road quotes for both from dealers near you, and check how far the nearest authorised service centre is - for a 10-year machine, service distance matters as much as a few HP.